2013 US Youth Soccer ODP Girls Thanksgiving Interregional: Day 6

BOCA RATON, Fla. (November 29, 2013) – The 2013 US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Girls Thanksgiving Interregional concluded today at Spanish River Athletic Park in Boca Raton, Fla. with the 1996 and 1997 age groups. The six-day tournament featured elite girls teams in the 1996-1999 age groups from each of the four US Youth Soccer regions.

Among the top leading goal scorers in the tournament were: Region I’s Jenna Bike from the 1998 age group with four goals; Region IV’s Theresa Boade from the 1999 age group with four goals; and top tournament scorer Sophia Serafin, also from the Region IV 1999 age group with five goals. Region IV exceeded by winning the most games out of any other region, garnering seven wins in competitions across all age groups.

The nearly 300 leading players that participated in the event were selected from US Youth Soccer State Association and regional level evaluations. Throughout the week, players trained at practices and competed in matches against other regions, in front of national staff and collegiate coaches to maximize their exposure for selection to the next level of play.

As the girls conclude, the boys commence with the 2013 US Youth Soccer ODP Boys Thanksgiving Interregional, taking place November 30-December 2 at the Grande Sports World Complex in Casa Grande, Ariz. For more information on the event, including scores, schedules, and rosters, visit the US Youth Soccer ODP Homepage.

US Youth Soccer ODP is the nation's original player identification program. With programs in all 55 US Youth Soccer State Associations, it is available to any player, regardless of hometown or club affiliation. US Youth Soccer ODP has continued its tradition of elite competition and player development for more than 30 years, and is the only development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and a majority of current and past national and youth national team members as alumni. To learn more, visit www.usyouthsoccer.org/programs/OlympicDevelopmentProgram.

Highlights from Day 6:

1996 Girls: Region II v. Region I

Region II defeated Region I with a second half goal by Kristelle Yewah. Both teams fought to get the lead in the first half, but entered halftime scoreless. Yewah notched a goal in the 47th minute of play, which ultimately gave Region II the 1-0 win. Region II ended the tournament with the best results in the 1996 age group, with a 2-0-1 record.

1996 Girls: Region IV v. Region III

Region IV got a first and second half goal to defeat Region III 2-0. Elizabeth Hutchison got an early 9-minute goal, and Sarina Bolden got a tally in the 66th minute. Region IV’s backline held strong for the remainder of the match to keep the shutout.

1997 Girls: Region II v. Region I

Region I defeated Region II in the 1997 match with a 2-0 result. Alexandra Pelletier found the back of the net in the 44th minute of the first half, and Kristin Schnurr got a second half goal in the 65th minute. Region I’s defense kept solid the rest of the game and forbade any goals from entering.

1997 Girls: Region IV v. Region III

The Region IV 1997 team completed the tournament with a perfect 3-0-0 record. Their final match against Region III saw a 1-0 result. Grace Cutler got the game winner in the 25th minute of the first half, and Region IV’s defense prohibited Region III to find the equalizer.